Do any of you have any knowledge or experience with how to handle new college applications and admissions when you are on a gap year?

My son graduated in 2020 with honors, has an excellent SAT and accepted admission into one of our home state universities. He decided to take a gap year and work because of how his university was/is operating re: covid.

Yesterday he decided not to enroll in the university specifically due to their covid policies. Instead, he researched, found, and is going to apply to universities in states which are not engaging in covid coercion.

The univ covid policies of his current in-state school are (1) pushing the jab; (2) discriminating against those who refuse by forcing them to wear masks, etc.; (3) Instituting a new policy that anyone who refuses the jab will be subject to continued random covid testing under threat of expulsion for any non-compliance.

I think the university has some condition or statement that you cannot apply to other universities or take any classes during your gap year or you forfeit your admission. Currently, the university is sending him info regarding meeting with an advisor, selecting and registering for classes in the fall by the end of this month.

I'm sure he's not the only person who's changed their mind about a school while on a gap year.

My advice to him was: (1) notify the current university that you will no longer be attending, asap. (2) Next, apply to other universities as normal. If GAP year topic comes up, tell them the truth and let the chips fall where they may. We both are wondering how the gap year affects his SAT and GPA on applications. Regarding future plans, he's going to apply now, and would like to gain admission into the fall semester. However, if they admit him for spring semester he's okay with that as well. What do you think? All input is appreciated. Thank you in advance.